Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Morticae]

Wow, so she didn't go to class, big deal!

Very rarely do I get a CT that comes to class and actually helps me. Sometimes they show up, but always just sit in the back.

Fine by me! I consider it a sign of trust and respect.

I plan all of my lessons by myself and plan them in a manner in which I can execute them by myself. Then I have another (backup) lesson plan in case my computer breaks, or there is power failure.

The only time I've given free time was the last 1-2 weeks of class here before vacation. I called it in and showed videos, because it was like teaching to a brick wall.

The bottom line is, I think my students prefer when it is just me in class. They know they can relax and not feel pressured. But I'm also able to lay the smackdown if it gets out of control.

[jrwhite82]

Just because they finished their tests doesn't mean you let them run all over you. My students know they can't leave until the room is clean to my liking. This is something we have done since day one. They know that every day, I will be there with something for them to do. And I expect them to do it. During and after exams my coteachers weren't with me every day and I taught on my own the majority of the time. Yes it was more stressful, but the kids knew what they were supposed to do, because I have built routines since day one. All those times I sent the boys back into the hallway and made them re-do the walking into class procedures. All those times I made them apologize to each other for hitting. All those times I got on them about sitting down and opening their book and facing front before the bell rings. All those times I chased down their home room teacher to tell them about class and to make sure students were held accountable for their reactions. All those kids I rewarded for positive participation, following the routines. All the lunch parties I had with the students that earned them for good behavior. It's times like post-exams times when all that stuff pays off. And I never once yelled. Well, until post exam time. Then the kids were like, "holy crap! we done messed up good." And they were never that bad again.

There are many things you can do during exam time that both you and they will see as worthwhile, entertaining or interesting. Not all the students will like it obviously, but those are probably the same ones that have been giving you problems all year to begin with.

If your school is ok with students running all over the school, then yeah, you might have bigger problems on your hands. Time to look for a new job.

You are right that burning your bridges marks the beginning of the end to your teaching time here. Once you lose the support of your coteacher, you're done.

[Radius]

sounds like the typical korean woman: short-tempered, immature and will make you pay dearly for any wrongs you may have done to her. GTFO of there asap.

[chellovek]

Ach mine pulled has pulled a doozie. No word about whether I would be re-signed all year then told to me get all the paper in by Wednesday...

Anyone know what is likely to happen?

[wiganer]

Four months away from completing the contract and your co-teacher is being openly hostile. You are not being re-signed - so go nuclear.

The next time she doesn't turn up, get the class monitor to go and fetch her. If that doesn't work, every time someone starts chimping around in class, make them go outside, then after class, march them to the principal and explain that they were badly behaved in class, your Korean is not so good so you want action took as there was no Korean speaking teacher present.

You can bet your life the principal won't condone your co-teacher's slack behaviour. Once or twice maybe but all the time? I don't think so, our classes are part of their hours and that's why English teachers are bottom of the pole in terms of respect regarding Korean staff room politics. Keep doing it and your co-teacher will never miss another class.

I would warn her beforehand though of what you are going to do 'I'll be gone in four months but you are here another five years and I am going to put a big massive dent into your time here'

I always used the 'I'm taking the student to the principals office' when I had problems in class and the co-teacher always shit themselves. You can never ever overdo it. You are gone in four months anyway - time to play dirty.

[PastorYoon]